How to Use a Sanitary Napkin (Pad)

If you just got your period, you'll most likely want to start by using a sanitary napkin, or pad. They're simple to use and easier than tampons. The process can be a little intimidating because you have to get it right or that white-pants-in-front-of-my-crush-idea will totally backfire. Avoid the mess, the fuss, and the worry and start with Step 1 below.

1.Putting It On

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Choose a pad of the appropriate thickness, absorbency, shape and style. With nearly 3.5 billion women on this planet, there are a whole bunch of options needed to accommodate all our different needs. Here's the general rundown on your choices:

• Thickness. The lighter your period, the thinner your pad can be; however, absorbency of pads has improved dramatically, even in recent years. Some thinner pads can be quite absorbent. They're often more comfortable to sit on and you can even forget they're there!
• Absorbency. Look at the rating (light, average, or super) and length, and try a few different brands and styles before settling on one you like. Sometimes absorbency means different things to different companies and/or people.
• Shape. There are different shapes of undies out there, so naturally there are different shapes of pads! But your three main ones will be those for regular undies, those for thongs and night-time pads. Night-time pads are pretty self-explanatory (longer, made for lying down), but the other two? Well, wearing a pad while you're wearing a thong is sort of asking for trouble. You can try it, but if you're just starting off, stick with the regular ones.
• Style. Again, two things here: with wings and without. "Wings" are those sticky little pieces that adhere to your underwear. They keep your pad from lodging to the side and feeling like a diaper. In short, unless they irritate your skin or something, they're your friend!
• In general, stay away from scented pads, especially if your skin is sensitive. They can be irritating in areas you definitely don't want irritated.
• There are also panty-liners, but those are kind of a different animal. Stick to those bad boys when you think your period is starting or when it's ending -- that is, when it's really, really light.
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• 2.Get in position
• Most girls change their pads when they need to hit the girls' room, but sometimes the desire strikes you at empty-bladder times, too. Whatever it is, find the nearest bathroom, wash your hands, and drop trou. The pad won't magically transport itself through your bottoms, unfortunately. Science is still working on that one.
  • It'll be easiest if you're sitting down and your undies are around your knees. Standing is fine, too; you just want everything in an arm's reach.
  3.Remove any wrappers or boxes from the pad You could discard them, but it's a good idea to use them to dispose of the used pad you are replacing. No one wants to look at a used pad in the trash, you know? And never, ever, throw it in the toilet, it could flood!
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  Fold out the flaps, or wings, and take off the long, center backing that covers the adhesive on the center. Expose the adhesive on the wings too, disposing these parts in the trash (you won't need them for wrapping).
  

  • In some brands of pads nowadays, the wrapper doubles as the backing. It's more eco-friendly and simpler -- if this is the case, one less step for you!
  • Stick the adhesive part to your panties. You want the pad to be directly beneath your vagina -- not creeping up your front or climbing up your rear! If you're going to do a bit of lying down, you may want to align it a little further back, but you probably have a good idea of where it would be the most effective. You'll get better with practice at centering the pad front to back very soon!
    • Got wings? Make sure to fold those around the outside of your panties so that they stick. They'll keep the pad from moving around as you move, which will be way more comfortable and feel a lot more natural.
    • 2.Wearing It Comfortably
      
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      Wear the panties as usual. Done! If your pad is itchy or irritating your skin at all, remove it and use a different kind. Wearing a pad should not be a problem. You can check when you go to the bathroom if the pad needs changing or if there are any issues brewing. Change the pad every few hours as needed to avoid odors.
      

      • Let's say this one more time: change your pad every few hours. Obviously, part of this depends on how heavy your flow is. But not only will changing often give you peace of mind, but odors won't start worsening either. Win win!
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        Opt for more comfortable clothes. Although it may feel strange at first, the pad will generally not be visible. It will follow the curve of your body and be well hidden. However, you may feel better wearing loose pants or a skirt. It's all about peace of mind! If you're worried, pick out your wardrobe carefully.
        

        • A good rule of thumb is to bust out the granny panties when you're on your period. Save your cute thongs for the other 25 days of the month.
        • Do a routine check, especially on heavy days. You'll shortly find that you know how often you'll need to take care of business, how long a pad lasts you on what days, and the second you start getting uncomfortable you'll know exactly why. But at least at the beginning, do routine checks, especially if your flow is heavy. A little time invested now could easily prevent an awkward situation from arising.
          • No need to run to the bathroom every half hour, by the way. But checking in on your new buddy every 1-2 hours will be just fine. If anyone asks, you drank a lot of water today!
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            Don't use pads for no reason. Some women wear pads all the time because they think it keeps them "fresh." Nope. Don't do it. Your vagina needs to breathe! Shoving a wad of sticky cotton in between your legs allows bacteria to breed in the heat. So if you're not on your period, stick to light, cotton panties. There's nothing fresher than that -- if they're clean, of course! Well, except maybe for the Prince of Bel Air. He was pretty fresh.
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